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Arizona

Scenic Railroads of Arizona: Sedona and Grand Canyon

Program No. 1083RJ
Experience the wonders of Sedona and the Grand Canyon via two historic railways as you join experts to learn about the local history, culture and charm of these iconic landscapes.

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climate
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itinerary
Please Note:
The itinerary for this program is different on certain dates.
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Apr 30 - May 5, 2023
Starting at
1,799
May 14 - May 19, 2023
Starting at
1,849
Itinerary Note

This date includes a night at the iconic Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams, AZ.

Sep 3 - Sep 8, 2023
Starting at
1,799
Sep 17 - Sep 22, 2023
Starting at
1,799
Oct 1 - Oct 6, 2023
Starting at
1,849
Itinerary Note

This date includes a night at the iconic Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams, AZ.

Oct 15 - Oct 20, 2023
Starting at
1,799
Oct 30 - Nov 4, 2023
Starting at
1,849
Itinerary Note

This date includes a night at the iconic Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams, AZ.

Nov 13 - Nov 18, 2023
Starting at
1,699
Itinerary Note

This date includes a night at the iconic Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams, AZ.

Feb 25 - Mar 1, 2024
Starting at
1,949
Mar 10 - Mar 15, 2024
Starting at
1,949
Mar 24 - Mar 29, 2024
Starting at
1,949
Mar 31 - Apr 5, 2024
Starting at
1,949
Apr 28 - May 3, 2024
Starting at
1,949
May 12 - May 17, 2024
Starting at
1,949
Sep 1 - Sep 6, 2024
Starting at
1,949
Sep 15 - Sep 20, 2024
Starting at
1,949
Sep 29 - Oct 4, 2024
Starting at
1,949
Oct 13 - Oct 18, 2024
Starting at
1,949
Nov 10 - Nov 15, 2024
Starting at
1,949
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Apr 30 - May 5, 2023
Starting at
2,279
May 14 - May 19, 2023
Starting at
2,329
Itinerary Note

This date includes a night at the iconic Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams, AZ.

Sep 3 - Sep 8, 2023
Starting at
2,279
Sep 17 - Sep 22, 2023
Starting at
2,279
Oct 1 - Oct 6, 2023
Starting at
2,329
Itinerary Note

This date includes a night at the iconic Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams, AZ.

Oct 15 - Oct 20, 2023
Starting at
2,279
Oct 30 - Nov 4, 2023
Starting at
2,329
Itinerary Note

This date includes a night at the iconic Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams, AZ.

Nov 13 - Nov 18, 2023
Starting at
2,069
Itinerary Note

This date includes a night at the iconic Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams, AZ.

Feb 25 - Mar 1, 2024
Starting at
2,439
Mar 10 - Mar 15, 2024
Starting at
2,439
Mar 24 - Mar 29, 2024
Starting at
2,439
Mar 31 - Apr 5, 2024
Starting at
2,439
Apr 28 - May 3, 2024
Starting at
2,439
May 12 - May 17, 2024
Starting at
2,439
Sep 1 - Sep 6, 2024
Starting at
2,439
Sep 15 - Sep 20, 2024
Starting at
2,439
Sep 29 - Oct 4, 2024
Starting at
2,439
Oct 13 - Oct 18, 2024
Starting at
2,439
Nov 10 - Nov 15, 2024
Starting at
2,439

At a Glance

The wonders of Sedona and the Grand Canyon are well known, but few visit these locales via scenic and historic railway. Ride the Verde Canyon Railroad through Arizona’s rim country along the wild and scenic Verde River. Later in the week, embark on an overnight adventure to Grand Canyon National Park via the historic Grand Canyon Railway. Throughout your journey gain insights into regional lore as you explore this breathtaking part of northern Arizona.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to one mile on varied terrain. Optional longer hike at the Grand Canyon. Elevations of 4,500-7,000 feet.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Enjoy a guided exploration of Sedona’s red-rock vistas.
  • Travel through dramatic Oak Creek Canyon en route to historic Williams for embarkation on the Grand Canyon Railway.
  • Stay overnight at a Grand Canyon lodge, explore historic village sites and absorb incomparable canyon views.

General Notes

Transportation on this program is by full-sized motor coach.
Featured Expert
All Experts
Profile Image
Kennard Bork
Kennard Bork is a former university geology professor who has found his bliss in retirement where Sedona’s red rocks and natural beauty provide the setting for great exploration and discovery. Ken is active in OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) and INHIGEO (International Commission on the History of Geological Sciences), both as a speaker and as a participant.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson View biography
Paul Johnson is a recent transplant to Sedona after retiring from a career as a CEO of a non-profit focused on community development. He is a lifelong student of history and has traveled extensively in the U.S., Europe, Mexico, and elsewhere. Paul loves to share the history and culture of his adopted state of Arizona and enjoys hiking with his wife and dog, playing golf, and exploring the wonderful red rock paradise of Sedona.
Profile Image of Slim Woodruff
Slim Woodruff View biography
Marjorie “Slim” Woodruff is a graduate of Northern Arizona University. She has worked in outdoor recreation and education for most of her adult life. Slim is a board member and outings chair for the Grand Canyon Historical Society. She is a senior instructor with the Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute. Living on the South Rim, her usual hangouts are inside the canyon. Her writings can be found in High Country News Writers on the Range and The Outdoor Journal.
Profile Image of Kennard Bork
Kennard Bork View biography
Kennard Bork is a former university geology professor who has found his bliss in retirement where Sedona’s red rocks and natural beauty provide the setting for great exploration and discovery. Ken is active in OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) and INHIGEO (International Commission on the History of Geological Sciences), both as a speaker and as a participant.
Profile Image of Kathy Farretta
Kathy Farretta View biography
Kathy Farretta is a history and science-loving bookworm who also loves hiking and taking photos. She was previously the Assistant Park Manager at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park in Flagstaff, where she now serves as a volunteer. She received her Master's Degree in History from Northern Arizona University and teaches U.S. History at Coconino Community College, and serves on the Board of the Flagstaff Festival of Science. When not prepping for her history classes, she most often has her nose in a science fiction book.
Profile Image of Brendan O'Brien
Brendan O'Brien View biography
Brendan O’Brien holds a Master of Science in Geography degree from Northern Arizona University and calls Flagstaff home. He has held jobs in the outdoor education field for much of the last decade with time spent as a Park Ranger in White Sands National Monument and a forest technician in Flathead National Forest. Brendan loves all the outdoor activities that Northern Arizona offers and especially its crystal clear night skies where he can enjoy his passion for star gazing.
Profile Image of Devon Beam
Devon Beam View biography
Devon Beam has called Northern Arizona home since 2018. After working in the outdoor industry for the past 15 years, he began working with Road Scholar to continue his ongoing passion for promoting outdoor recreation. Devon has traveled extensively throughout the United States and Central America. His hobbies include traveling, baking bread, playing guitar, and biking in remote places with his spouse.
Profile Image of Rocky Sullivan
Rocky Sullivan View biography
Rocky Sullivan, a Kansas native, has been living in the southwest working on ranches among other things for the better part of three decades. During the last few years, he has brought his poetry into the limelight, gaining respect and praise from peers and audiences. Rocky won in his division of the 2015 National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo in Abilene, Kansas, and again in 2017. He has been asked to perform at numerous venues since.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Arizona: A Cavalcade of History
by Trimble, Marshall
During America's first 100 years as a nation, pioneers moved ever-westward to new frontiers. When it became too crowded or the soil was mined out, they moved on to virgin land. Those days are gone forever. We have to learn to live with the problems we create. The knowledge gained from studying the mistakes of the past can help provide a better future. Will Rogers said it best: "The Indians never got lost because they were always looking back to see where they'd been." 368pp
Living at the Edge: Explorers, Exploiters, and Settlers of the Grand Canyon Region
by Anderson, Michael F
A comprehensive look at the pioneer history of the Grand Canyon Region, from its earliest residents to the creation of the national park at the end of the pioneer era (circa 1920). Included are close to two hundred historic photographs, many never published before, and 12 custom maps of the region. 184pp
Secret Sedona: Sacred Moments in the Landscape
by Larry Lindahl
This book provides an overview of the terrain, ancestral Indian ruins and petroglyphs found in Sedona's wilderness areas. Extraordinary photography from one of the nations most photogenic areas. 80 pages.
Grand Canyon Geology
by Beus, Stanley
This second edition of the leading book on Grand Canyon geology contains the most recent discoveries and interpretations of the origin and history of the canyon. It includes two entirely new chapters: one on debris flow in the Canyon and one on the impact of water flow releases from the Glen Canyon Dam. All chapters have been updated where necessary and all photographs have been replaced or re-screened for better resolution. Written by acknowledged experts in stratigraphy, paleontology, structural geology, geomorphology, volcanism and seismology, this book offers a wealth of information for geologists and general readers interested in acquiring an understanding of the geological history of this great natural wonder. 423pp
An Introduction to Grand Canyon Prehistory
by Coder, Christopher M.
People have inhabited Grand Canyon for the past twelve thousand years. Evidence of their lives exists throughout the canyon; but it is up to their ancestors and archaeologists to interpret those remains for us. This book provides a popular look at the architecture, art, and tools of prehistoric Puebloan peoples, as well as information about modern-day Native American tribes. With illustrations and color photographs.
The Archaeology of Ancient Arizona
by Jefferson Reid and Stephanie Whittlesey
General overview of the archaeology of Arizona written by archaeologists with combined experience of over half a century of a combination of laboratory and fieldwork.
Sedona through time: Geology of the Red Rocks
by Ranney, Wayne
Visitors to the towering red rock cliffs near Sedona seldom realize that the area was once a broad river floodplain that lay beyond the Ancestral Rocky Mountains. Or that this same place was later buried in a vast, Sahara-like desert, still later to lie beneath the waters of a warm tropical sea filled with ancient life forms. Sedona Through Time is an eminently readable story of the evolution of this fantastic landscape through the eons of geologic time.
Carving Grand Canyon: Evidence, Theories, and Mystery
by Ranney, Wayne
Ranney explains how rivers in general can physically carve canyons, looks chronologically at the numerous theories that have been presented by successive generations of geologists regarding the Grand Canyon's formation, and describes a plausible sequence of geologic events that could create such a landscape. Numerous color photographs, detailed illustrations, and maps are provided. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR 160pp; 2nd edition 2012.
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6 days
5 nights
13 meals
5 B 3 L 5 D
DAY
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Sedona, AZ
D
Element Sedona

Activity note: Hotel check-in available from 4:00 p.m.

Afternoon: 4:30-5:15 p.m. Program Registration: After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table in the hotel conference room to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation: 5:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. All field trips will be led by our Group Leader, a seasoned and experienced naturalist, unless specified otherwise. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: 6:45 p.m.: In our hotel conference room we will have a catered meal with a choice of a non-alcoholic drink.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY
2
Geology, Sedona Sights, Train History
Sedona, AZ
B,L,D
Element Sedona

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 15 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time with stops for photo ops and red rock vistas. Walking about 1 mile throughout day; mostly paved surfaces.

Breakfast: Hotel Continental Breakfast with Coffee and Tea

Morning: Enjoy a presentation in our hotel conference room on the geologic story of Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and the surrounding area. The talk will help make sense of how the stunning beauty of this area came to be and prepare us for our time spent at the Grand Canyon.

Lunch: Hotel plated meal.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll set out aboard our motorcoach with our Group Leader for a field trip in Sedona to view some of the town’s most scenic sites. During our exploration, we’ll learn about the history, geology, climate, flora, and fauna of the area. We’ll also have photo opportunities at some scenic vistas.

Dinner: Plated meal at a nearby Mexican Restaurant.

Evening: Returning to the hotel, we will be joined by a local historian who will discuss railroad history in northern Arizona.

DAY
3
Montezuma Castle, Verde Canyon Railroad
Sedona, AZ
B,L,D
Element Sedona

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 80 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time plus stops for field trips. Walking about 1 mile throughout the day; flat, paved trails. Getting on/off train; riding about 40 miles, approximately 4 hours riding time.

Breakfast: Hotel Continental Breakfast with Coffee and Tea

Morning: We’ll board a motorcoach with our Group Leader for a field trip to Montezuma Castle National Monument. This five-story, 20-room cliff dwelling is nestled in a limestone recess high above the flood plain of Beaver Creek in the Verde Valley. It is one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America, constructed approximately 600 years ago by the Sinagua Indians. While here, we’ll observe the ruins from below and take note of Wet Beaver Creek’s unique ecosystem as we walk along the paved loop trail. We’ll then ride to Clarkdale for our Verde Canyon train trip.

Lunch: Our first-class train tickets include lunch with charcuterie items such as cured meats, gourmet cheese, fruit, fruit dip, crackers, brownies, and bottled water. It also incudes a champagne or sparkling cider toast upon boarding!

Afternoon: Next, we'll transfer to the railroad platform and board the train for a leisurely ride with commentary given by a railroad expert. The Verde Canyon Railroad follows a 40-mile route along the Verde River. We’ll ride in comfort in renovated 1st class passenger and open air cars, journeying at a slow pace mostly near the canyon bottom. Along the route, we’ll pass red rock pinnacles, cross bridges, see Native American ruins, and ride through a 680-foot tunnel. Keep your eyes out for native plants and animals including the more than 30 eagles that winter in this scenic area. Following our journey we will stop at a restaurant for dinner before returning to the hotel.

Dinner: Plated meal at a near by restaurant.

Evening: Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
4
Grand Canyon Railway, Explore Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon - South Rim
B,L,D
Yavapai Lodge West

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 65 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. Getting on/off train; riding about 60 miles, approximately 2.5 hours riding time. Walking about 1.5 to 2 miles during group activities; mostly paved, some uneven surfaces. Elevation approximately 7,000 feet. Extent of walking and other activities during independent time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Hotel Continental Breakfast with Coffee and Tea

Morning: We will check out of the hotel early, load our luggage onto the motorcoach, and ride from Sedona to Williams and the Grand Canyon Railway depot. Upon arrival, we’ll watch the Wild West Show, then board the Grand Canyon Railway train for a scenic and entertaining ride across the Coconino Plateau to the Grand Canyon. Our Group Leader and the rail car attendant will provide commentary. The Grand Canyon Railway first arrived at the Grand Canyon in 1901. It heralded a new age of travel, development, and some might say luxury at the canyon. We’ll experience and relish this “classic” way of travel to the “doorsteps” of the historic El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon Village, and the very rim of the canyon. Aboard the train, strolling musicians will provide entertainment during our ride.

Lunch: Aboard the train en route to the Grand Canyon, we’ll have sack lunches including a sandwich, chips, fruit and cookie.

Afternoon: After arrival at Grand Canyon Village and the South Rim, we’ll gather for our first views of the canyon. Our Group Leader will point out the canyon's many features with historic and natural significance. We’ll also explore historical Grand Canyon Village— sometimes called "downtown Grand Canyon" — the site of much of the human development on the canyon's South Rim. Highlights of the village include the Kolb Studio where the Kolb brothers took photos of mule riders into the canyon, the buildings of Santa Fe Railroad and Fred Harvey, and architect and designer Mary Jane Colter’s work including the Bright Angel Lodge, Lookout Studio, and the Hopi House.

Dinner: Plated dinner at the lodge.

Evening: At leisure. Those who wish to participate may transfer to a park location for an engaging elective presentation led by National Park Service Rangers. These will cover a Grand Canyon topic of interest and change nightly. NOTE: This activity is dependent on national park scheduling and current Covid restrictions.

DAY
5
Canyon Exploration, Desert View, Program Wrap-Up
Grand Canyon - South Rim
B,D
Yavapai Lodge West

Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles or more, depending on preference, either along the Grand Canyon Rim or hiking a short distance into its depths.

Breakfast: Hotel Breakfast Buffet.

Morning: This Morning we'll meet at a predetermined time and location to travel to and explore the scenic East Rim of the Grand Canyon to Desert View. Desert View is the location of Mary Jane Colter’s famous Watchtower and some of the best views of the Colorado River. Known for her many works for the Fred Harvey Company and the Santa Fe Railroad, Mary Jane Colter was a female architect in the early 20th century and helped blend Spanish Colonial and Mission Revival architecture with Native American motifs. The Watchtower is an interpretation of a prehistoric “tower kiva’ with lavishly painted interior walls by Hopi artist Fred Kabotie. We will have time to explore the Watchtower with our Group Leader available to answer any questions. In late morning, return to the hotel via Mather Point for a grand look at this world wonder.

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like from a variety of venues on the South Rim. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Afternoon: This afternoon enjoy personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most using the park's pocket guide and map. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. The National Park Service includes a free shuttle along the West Rim Drive to Hermit's Rest with access to numerous scenic viewpoints (Powell, Hopi, Mohave, and Maricopa points to name a few) with sweeping views of the Canyon and the Colorado River. You might also like to go for a rim walk, hike further into the Canyon, attend an NPS ranger program, or just find a quiet spot to contemplate and gaze out at the Grand Canyon, taking in all of its grandeur.

Dinner: At a restaurant in the town of Tusayan, just outside the park boundary. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: We’ll have a wrap-up session at the restaurant before returning to the hotel. The remainder of the evening will be at leisure. Prepare for early check-out and departure in the morning.

DAY
6
Return to Sedona; Program Concludes
Departures
B

Activity note: Driving approximately 2.5 hours, 120 miles from Grand Canyon to Sedona with stops.

Breakfast: Early morning lodge breakfast.

Morning: Load luggage, check out of the lodge and depart for Sedona by 7:15 am. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






Important registration tip:
If you want to attend the live lecture, please do not wait until the last minute to enroll.
If you enroll after a lecture is complete, we’ll send you a recording of the event.